Maassluis brings its maritime history to life from different perspectives: a museum harbour is dedicated to historic tugboats and salvage vessels, museums explore tugboat shipping, and you can watch maritime traffic by the water. There is also art, architecture and paths through the polder landscape. Here, maritime history and urban culture are found not only in exhibitions, but also at notable locations and on the water.
Tugboat shipping in the museum and harbour
Sleepboothaven Maassluis is a museum harbour for historic tugboats and salvage vessels, and is described as the only tugboat museum harbour in the world. The Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum tells the story of Dutch tugboat shipping and maritime history; it is considered the only museum of its kind in the Netherlands. A simulation programme lets visitors try their hand at steering a ship.
Individual vessels also represent different chapters of this history. The museum ship Hudson is the only surviving pre-war ocean-going tugboat in the Netherlands. On board, visitors can see how the captain and crew lived and worked, and explore an exhibition about ocean-going tugboats during the Second World War. The steam ocean-going tug Furie is the last steam-powered ocean-going tugboat in the Netherlands. It also played a central role in the television series “Hollands Glorie”, based on the book by Jan de Hartog. The salvage vessel Bruinvisch is the last surviving ship from the generation of pre-war salvage vessels; after the Second World War, it was used, among other things, to clear wrecks from the Nieuwe Waterweg.
Art, architecture and traces of the past
At Museum Maassluis, modern visual art and the city’s history come together under one roof. Exhibits include models of buildings and fishing vessels, as well as objects related to crafts and everyday life. The collection also includes paintings, drawings and textiles. Different forms of collecting and display sit side by side: local history, everyday objects and art.
The Groote Kerk was built between 1629 and 1639 and is known, among other things, for its Garrels organ. By arrangement, you can climb the tower, which offers views over the historic heart of Maassluis. Check the official visitor information for access arrangements before your visit. The Monstersche Sluis also tells the story of several historical stages: an opening in the Maasdijk was described in 1343, it was converted into a drainage lock system in 1602, and a lock was built in 1889. Wippersmolen dates from 1726; both the mill and the miller’s house are listed as Rijksmonuments.
By the water and through the polders
You can walk or cycle along the Waterweg while watching shipping traffic and the busy maritime activity on the water. One specific option is “De 9 rondom Maassluis”: this 9-kilometre walking route connects historic streets, expansive polders and waterways along the Nieuwe Waterweg. It runs alongside the harbour and offers views of large ocean-going ships passing regularly. It also crosses an open polder landscape, following dykes and green fields. Check that the route is available before setting out.
Boonerlucht is considered an area for walking and cycling. SUP is offered as a sporting activity for the whole family on the waterways of Maassluis and at Boonerlucht; check availability and provider information in advance. For children, there is Avonturis, a nature playground in Maassluis. These quieter routes and outdoor activities complement the maritime experiences at the museum and harbour.
Walking tours and boat trips
Guided walking tours cater to different interests, with themes ranging from maritime life and history to Maarten ’t Hart and outdoor art. The tours last around an hour and a half; booking options and dates may change. On the water, Trekschuit de Goude Leeuwin offers a horse-drawn boat trip that starts in Maassluis and travels via Maasland towards De Kwakelweg. Departure times may vary, so check the current options.
During the sailing season, visitors can join trips on Tonijn, Steenbank and Bruinvisch on Saturdays. On trips aboard the Europoort tug Steenbank, passengers can also visit the engine room and wheelhouse and, accompanied by a crew member, try to keep the tug on course. Operating dates may vary; check the current schedule before your trip. Another maritime event is Furieade: this multi-day event weekend in October is considered the highlight of the year. Dates and programme vary from year to year.
Travel connections for planning your trip
The ferry between Maassluis and Rozenburg crosses the Scheur. Veerpont Blankenburg carries cars, lorries, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians; Veerpont Jorina is for cyclists and pedestrians only. As ferry services and fares may change, check the operator’s latest information. Maassluis also has a metro connection to Hoek van Holland and Rotterdam, as well as three metro stations. For current connections, check public transport information.
Discover more destinations: Maassluis, Barendrecht, Hillegom, Ridderkerk, Zoeterwoude, Rijnwoude, Alblasserdam, Hellevoetsluis
For the regional travel overview: South Holland.
